HVAC Technician at Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. (ABC)
at Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. (ABC) in Des Moines, IA
About This Program
Bell Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. (ABC) offers a registered HVAC Technician apprenticeship based in Des Moines, Iowa. Sponsored directly by the employer and affiliated with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), this is a non-union program designed to develop skilled heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration professionals through hands-on paid training.
This four-year, time-based program combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced technicians learning to install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial HVAC systems. Classroom instruction covers topics such as refrigeration principles, electrical systems, load calculations, system diagnostics, and EPA refrigerant handling requirements.
Upon completing the program, apprentices are prepared to work as journey-level HVAC technicians. The HVAC trade offers strong long-term career prospects, with demand driven by new construction, system upgrades, and energy efficiency initiatives across Iowa and nationally.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$26
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
How to Apply
HVAC Technician Career Outlook
National Median
$25.95/hr
~$53,976/yr
Apprentice Start
$16/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
HVAC technician employment is projected to grow faster than average, driven by new construction, system replacements, and the transition to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment. The push toward heat pumps and smart building systems is creating new specialization opportunities. Experienced technicians with strong troubleshooting skills are in high demand across all regions.
What to Expect as a HVAC Technician Apprentice
Duration
4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for HVAC Technician
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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